Lesson 5 - Affirmations & Mindful Movement
Mindfulness & Wellbeing in Yoga
•Year 6
•Yoga
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can positive self-talk and mindful movement help us build confidence and emotional resilience?
Learning Objectives
- To develop the ability to create and use positive affirmations during yoga practice
- To understand and demonstrate the concept of 'mirroring' in yoga movements
- To practice mindfulness and self-reflection through yoga poses and breathing techniques
Key Outcomes
- Students will create personal positive affirmations and use them during yoga poses
- Students will demonstrate mirroring techniques with a partner while maintaining focus
- Students will show improved self-awareness and ability to recognise success in themselves and others
Equipment & Resources Required
Arranged in scattered formation with arm's length spacing
Alternative: Towels or carpet spaces if mats unavailable
Soft volume, instrumental music for relaxation phase
Alternative: Nature sounds or complete silence if preferred
Distributed before final challenge activity
Alternative: Any interesting natural or textured items
Key Vocabulary
A positive statement about yourself that helps build confidence and self-belief
Moving in exact reflection of a partner's movements while maintaining connection
Being fully present and aware of your thoughts, feelings, and body in the moment
Proper positioning of the body parts in yoga poses for safety and effectiveness
A practice of focused attention and awareness to calm the mind and body
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of yoga poses from previous units
- Experience with breathing techniques and body awareness
- Understanding of personal space and safe movement
Current Skills
- Creating and using positive affirmations
- Advanced yoga pose sequences with mindful breathing
- Partner work and mirroring techniques
- Self-reflection and recognising success in others
Next Steps
- Independent yoga practice with personal affirmation sequences
- Teaching yoga poses and mindfulness to others
- Creating personalised wellness routines
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Safety first - never force poses beyond comfortable range of motion
- Connect breathing with movement and affirmations throughout practice
- Encourage personal adaptation of poses rather than 'perfect' alignment
- Foster positive self-talk and recognition of individual progress
- Model calm, accepting presence and genuine mindfulness
- Create inclusive environment where all abilities are celebrated
- Emphasise internal awareness over external appearance of poses
Common Misconceptions
- Yoga poses must look 'perfect' - correct by emphasising personal adaptation and comfort
- You must be flexible to do yoga - explain that yoga develops flexibility over time
- Meditation means completely empty mind - teach that noticing thoughts is normal
- Affirmations are silly - demonstrate how positive self-talk builds confidence
- Partner work is just playing - explain the empathy and cooperation skills developed
- Relaxation is lazy - discuss the importance of rest for physical and mental health
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Include movement breaks between poses, provide clear boundaries, offer fidget tools during meditation
dyspraxia
- Simplify pose sequences, provide extra practice time, use wall support for balance poses
autism spectrum
- Provide clear routine structure, offer quiet space options, use visual schedules for pose sequences
visual impairment
- Provide verbal descriptions of poses, use tactile guidance for alignment, ensure clear auditory cues for affirmations
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations, provide written affirmation cards, employ clear gestures and sign support
physical disability
- Offer seated modifications for all poses, adapt using chairs or props, focus on achievable movements
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Vocabulary development, creative expression through affirmations, listening and speaking skills
Maths
Counting breaths, understanding time duration, spatial awareness and geometry in poses
Science
Understanding body systems, breathing and oxygen exchange, effects of exercise on heart rate and wellbeing
PSHE
Mental health awareness, building self-esteem, developing positive relationships and empathy
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around room to observe all students, position for clear demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for proper alignment, mindful breathing, positive engagement with affirmations
Intervention Points
Correct unsafe alignment, support struggling students, redirect inappropriate behaviour gently
Demonstration Notes
Show modifications for different abilities, model calm presence and positive self-talk, demonstrate poses clearly with proper alignment
Verbal Cues
- •'Listen to your body and only go as far as feels good'
- •'Remember to breathe deeply and stay present'
- •'Find your own version of this pose that works for you'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 2m x 2m per student for individual poses, additional space for partner work
Surface Check
Clean, non-slip surface suitable for bare feet or yoga socks
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check yoga mats are clean and properly positioned
- •Ensure no sharp objects or hazards in movement area
- •Verify adequate ventilation for physical activity
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Overstretching in forward folds and twists
- •Loss of balance in standing poses
- •Knee strain from incorrect foot placement
- •Neck strain in inverted poses
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise listening to body limits and not forcing poses
- •Provide wall support options for balance poses
- •Clear instruction on safe foot placement in Tree Pose
- •Remind students to move slowly and mindfully
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Monitor proper alignment in all poses
- •Watch for signs of overexertion or strain
- •Ensure respectful partner interactions
- •Check room temperature suitable for relaxation
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately for any injury, provide first aid as appropriate, ensure comfortable recovery position